Meaning of 功能
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- function; capability
How to use 功能
功能 is used for what a machine, app, organ, or system can do, often in tech and product talk. It pairs with words like 新 (xīn, new) and 多 (duō, many). Example: 这个手机有很多功能。(Zhège shǒujī yǒu hěn duō gōngnéng.) This phone has a lot of functions.
功 (gōng) means merit or useful work, and 能 (néng) means ability. Put them together and you get what something is able to do: its function.
Common mistake: Learners often use 功能 for a person's ability, but for people you usually say 能力 (nénglì) or 才能 (cáinéng). Also keep both syllables in first and second tone, gōng then néng, not gòng.
功能 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
功 gōng · meritorious deed or service · 5 strokes
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能 néng · can · 10 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 功能.
| 可能 | kěnéng | might (happen); possible |
| 只能 | zhǐ néng | can only; obliged to do sth |
| 能够 | nénggòu | to be capable of; to be able to |
| 成功 | chénggōng | to succeed; success |
| 才能 | cáinéng | talent; ability |
| 能力 | nénglì | capability; ability |
| 功夫 | gōngfu | skill; art |
| 功课 | gōngkè | homework; assignment |
| 能不能 | néng bu néng | |
| 能干 | nénggàn | capable; competent |
| 智能 | zhìnéng | intelligent; able |
| 能量 | néngliàng | energy; capabilities |
Questions about 功能
What does 功能 mean?
功能 (gōngnéng) means "function; capability" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 功能?
功能 is made of 2 characters: 功 (5 strokes), 能 (10 strokes). That is 15 strokes in total.
Is 功能 an HSK word?
Yes. 功能 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 功能 and 作用?
功能 is the built-in capability something has, like the features of a phone. 作用 (zuòyòng) is the effect or role something actually plays, such as a medicine's effect on the body.
How do you say 'feature' or 'settings function' in an app in Chinese?
Chinese apps commonly use 功能 for features, for example 新功能 (xīn gōngnéng) for new features. 多功能 (duō gōngnéng) means multifunctional, as in a multifunctional device.